SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. – The San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office strengthened its commitment today to promote the physical and emotional well-being of children in San Bernardino County.

"Sadly, in our office, we see far too many cases of child abuse and see and hear firsthand all the appalling stories associated with each crime," District Attorney Michael Ramos said. "As we begin National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we as a community need to take this time to come together and make a commitment to stand up for our most vulnerable victims not just during the month of April, but all year long.”

In 2012, 1,550 criminal child abuse related cases were filed in San Bernardino County. That same year, 5 children were murdered.

The campaign—titled “#Justice4Children”—debuts today during National Child Abuse Prevention Month and includes a video public service announcement and a print and social media campaign aimed at engaging members of the public. The main message is simple: Call 211.

Gary Madden, Director of the United Way 211 Program, noted that 211 is a 24/7 information line with detailed information on more than 1,000 agencies that provide free and low cost help to the community, including parenting programs, anger management, support groups and much more.

“United Way 211 is delighted to partner with the District Attorney in efforts to prevent child abuse and to encourage the reporting of suspected abuse,” Madden said.

According to Ramos, the campaign is meant to not only educate viewers but empower them with the tools and information to share with their own networks about how to report child abuse and neglect and gain access to parenting services available in San Bernardino County through our partners at United Way 211.

"By drawing attention to this important issue through our social media networks and our partners in the media we have an opportunity to make a positive impact in the everyday lives of our most vulnerable victims, our children,” Ramos said.

To view the video PSA and all four of the #Justice4Children Graphics, please click here.

To get involved in the “#Justice4Children” social media campaign, please visit one of the following:

On the home page of the web site you will be able to access our campaign page where you will find high resolution and web-ready campaign ads and infographics, as well as a YouTube link to our Public Service Announcement to share with your networks.

Follow @sbcountyda or join the conversation at hashtag #Justice4Children. Retweet the messages that appear each day and our campaign ads and infographic, or share why it’s important to report suspected child abuse and neglect.

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It is the mission of the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office to represent the interests of the people in the criminal justice system, as mandated by California State law. The San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office serves the residents of San Bernardino County by: seeking the truth, protecting the innocent; holding the guilty accountable; preserving the dignity of victims and their families; and, ensuring that justice is done while always maintaining the highest ethical standards.